Caring for Your Feet When You're a Diabetic

Follow these simple but helpful tips for keeping diabetic feet healthy. 

If you have diabetes, then you certainly know the profound effect it can have on the health of your feet. In fact, chances are good that your podiatrist in Jackson and Brick, NJ, Dr. Keith Rosenthal, has talked about the possible complications that could arise from ulcers to nerve damage if diabetes isn’t properly controlled. Along with getting your blood sugar levels under control through medication and lifestyle modifications, here are some other ways to prevent diabetic foot problems from happening to you,

• Examine your feet every day and check for any potential problems. This may include everything from redness and swelling to blisters, corns, and open wounds. Any and all problems should be addressed by our Jackson, NJ, foot doctor, no matter how minor (even minor problems can cause infections if not properly treated).
  
  
• Make sure that you are washing your feet every day with soap and warm water (never hot!). Once you’ve thoroughly washed your feet make sure to fully dry off your feet, including between the toes. Washing your feet daily will remove any bacteria that could increase your risk for infection.
  
  
• Make sure to trim nails properly. If you have trouble clipping your own toenails, this is something that our foot doctor can do for you when you come into our Jackson, NJ, practice for care. Follow these helpful tips about how to trim toenails properly to prevent ingrown toenails.
  
  
• Never walk around barefoot, even if you are indoors. It’s important to wear properly fitted socks and shoes to prevent foot injuries. There are special diabetic shoes available; talk with your podiatrist about whether specialty shoes may be right for you.
  
  
• Get up and move around throughout the day and avoid crossing your legs. You will want to stretch and wiggle your toes and feet regularly throughout the day to improve circulation and blood flow.
  
  
• Always visit a qualified foot doctor at least once, if not twice, a year for comprehensive checkups and exams.
  
  

Are you looking for a foot doctor in Jackson or Brick, NJ, that can help you maintain healthy feet despite diabetes? We’ve worked with many individuals to help them get their diabetes under control to prevent neuropathy and other serious foot problems. To schedule an appointment with us, call The Foot and Ankle Center at (732) 833-2800 (Jackson) or (732) 477-0441 (Brick).